DARDANELLE — The Dardanelle Junior High Sand Lizards are used to battling through overwhelming odds.

“In the past, we seemed to be average, undersized, outmanned,” head coach Shawn Walters said. “We’re the blue-collar team around here. We get in there, stay in the game, play hard, and we’ve always finished them.”

Size may not be an issue this year. Caleb Hicks, Josh Holmes and Jose Ruiz bring size to the field the junior high team has lacked in years past.

“They’ll anchor that offensive line just fine,” Walters said. “This is their second year playing together. They’ve seen every front in our conference. They know how to execute.”

Walters said he expects a lot out of the line, hanging the entire offense on its ability to move the defense. Walters said because of the line’s size, the team will be running the ball more this year than it has in years past. However, he also said there was plenty of wiggle room for other strategies in his offense.

“We’ll be able to do multiple things in the backfield. We’ll be able to throw, but it’s all going to start with that front five,” Walters said.

Piloting the offense, Chris Kershner gives up his role as running back and takes the reigns at the quarterback spot. Walters said the coaching staff was excited about the change.

“He’s a good athlete,” Walters said. “He can see the football field well. He can see a hole or a busted coverage, and he can react to it.”

At tailback, Brandon Haney brings physicality. According to Walters, Haney is both quick and mean.

“He’s a downhill runner. He’s not afraid to lower his shoulders. We’re counting on him to run between the tackles,” Walters explained.

The Junior Sand Lizards opens the season at 5 p.m. today with the Danville Junior Little Johns, their cross-county rivals. The senior high teams play each other for the Yell County Judges Cup.

“Everyone goes out to those games,” Walters said. “It’s a big deal to them.”

This is the first year the junior high team has been able to participate in that rivalry. Walters said the team was looking forward to meeting the Junior Little Johns, but admitted the game was going to be tough.

“To say they’re bigger than us, well, that’s really saying something. We’re going to have to line up with our ears back every play,” Walters said.

Of course, the Sand Lizards are going to have to play that way every game. That is, if they expect to have success.

“Look at the schedule,” Walters said. “There is not an easy week for us. It’s always going to be a tough battle. We start off conference play against Dover. We’ll play Pottsville and Booneville. They’re always really good.”

Walters said he had faith in his kids, though.

“They work so hard. Whether it’s in the weight room, conditioning or watching the scout report,” he said. “These kids seem to have a lot of knowledge and know the game real well. With that knowledge, it’s going to be easier for the coaching staff to make adjustments as needed.”

As for the future of the season, Walters seemed proud of his boys and said he is excited to see how they will perform.

“We’ve got a lot of talent. We’ve got a good line. We’ve got good skill positions. We’re hoping to build some confidence and start a winning tradition.”